February 2009

February 22, 2009

Another post from the woodland, several this month.. how unusual! It may not be spring, as a matter of fact as I'm typing this there is some snow falling! But the promise of spring to come is helping me to s-l-o-w-l-y getting those creative juices flowing.

A glimpse of my newest journal... Enchanted Garden.

And keepin' it green with the latest in Faerie Slippers.. these have been appropriately deemed the "IrishSpringers."

More Faerie Slippers, and details on other Whimsy Hollow creations can always be found on the website if you ever feel the urge to browse. Whimsy Hollow

Thanks for stopping by the blog, and remember I always welcome comments so please say hello so I know you were here!

Celebration in our home this past week and continuation into weekend. It's so hard to believe... my beautiful baby girl has turned 15. I'm so so proud of her!

When I first heard this Tori Amos song, it hit home. This one's for you sweetie.

She's a girlRising from a shellRunning to springIt is her time it is her timeWatch her run with ribbons undone

She's a rose in a lily's cloakShe can hide her charmsIt is her right there will be timeTo chase the sun with ribbons undone

She runs like a fire doesJust picking up daisesComes in for a landingA pure flash of lighteningPast alice blue blossomsYou follow her laughterAnd then she'll surprise youArms filled with lavender

Yes my little pony is growing up fastShe corrects me and says"You mean a thoroughbred"A look in her eyes says the battle's beginningFrom school she comes home and criesI don't want to grow up Mom at last not tonight

You're a girlRising from a shellRunning through springWith summer's hand in reach nowIt is your timeIt is your timeSo just run with ribbons undoneIt is your time yes my angelIt is your timeSo just run with ribbons undone

February 19, 2009

Don't want to get your hopes up, nothing is blooming yet, and the lack of vegetation in my little neck of the woods is causing me to have some withdrawal symptoms. I've been dreaming of having fresh herbs again, mulling over what I'll grow this year, and missing the return of some of my old green friends. I started taking inventory of my tinctures made from last year's harvest. Some almost empty, and some I'd even forgotten having put up--that was a nice surprise. Yarrow was one of the "lost but found" tinctures I found residing in the cool darkness of my herb cupboard. Thank goodness it was clearly labeled, so no mystery involved in its identification :) I love my herb cupboard. It's in a little area set off from the kitchen where my husband put up some extra shelving and counter space for me, but it could use some organization (adding another chore to my ever growing spring to-do list). In any case, let's not get too off-track as I often do (they don't call me the woodland-wanderer for nothing) this yarrow has a bit of a story. I started exploring the woods and lake near my home more seriously last year, and was happy to discover lots of lovely yarrow growing wild, undisturbed, unsprayed and plentiful. I have never grown yarrow myself, and promptly got started checking my online references, books, and favorite herby blogs to be sure I had the right plant. Feeling certain, and slightly devious, I prepared for our next early morning hike, this time adding a small shovel, large baggie with damp paper towels, and my official wild-crafter's badge. Just kidding about the badge, but there is a pretty serious-looking park policeman that I've seen on rounds there before, so one never knows it could come in handy. I went to the pretty little spot where the yarrow was growing, made certain there was lots of it nearby, gave thanks, and dug up a small bit, while my husband patrolled the area, instructed to hoot like a screech owl if there should be a threat to my herbal-highjacking. All went without mishap, and once home I immediately transplanted it with care in a large pot on my deck. It took off beautifully, and soon delicate white flowers and ferny soft leaves abounded! I ended up making a tincture of its leaves and flowers in grain alcohol, and there it has sat since. Patiently waiting.

Yarrow's Latin name is Achillea millefolium. The name comes from Achilles, the Greek warrior because legend has it that he stopped bleeding on the battlefield when using this plant as a poultice. I'm happy to say it grows easily in my area as a perennial. It comes in pink, yellow and white varieties, mine being the white which is strongest for herbal medicine. Yarrow is one of the best herbs to use to prevent congestion from building up in the lungs, and to break up existing congestion. Yarrow tea is a good remedy for severe colds and to help reduce fever. When used externally it can help with cuts and wounds, and can even be used as a bug repellant, which I fully intend to try out this year.

I look forward to Yarrow making its appearance in my garden this year, and welcome learning about other uses for Yarrow... or any herbal insights for that matter, from any of you other "wild-crafters" out there!

February 01, 2009

The weekend goes by all too quickly doesn't it? I've been busy working on some new items for the shop, and have sadly discovered that tomorrow is Monday.

My latest passion is handmade paper. What a fabulous way to use my dried herbs and oils, and I've always loved the textures and feel of natural papers. Not to mention the simple pleasure that comes from repurposing and recyling "junk" into lovely handcrafted art. I just finished pressing the latest batch, delicately scented with rose geranium. Heavenly. For inspiration I'm burning some of my new rose incense. My feminine side is showing tonight.. I feel an affinity toward pink and roses. Perhaps the fact my husband is out watching the game has something to do with it ;) tonight is the "girl's night in!"

For fun I purchased a magical new banner from Tiffany Jane. I have a link to her blog on my side bar (Beyond the Vintage Path). When I saw this I knew it was perfect for Whimsy Hollow.

Wishing you all a lovely evening, I just discovered that we haven't eaten dinner yet. Thank goodness for left overs.